Oxford Martin Commission
for Future Generations

Now for the Long Term

The Oxford Martin Commission for Future Generations was a group of 19 international leaders from government, business, academia, media and civil society who came together to address the growing short-term preoccupations of modern politics and business and identify ways of overcoming gridlock in key international negotiations. Chaired by Pascal Lamy, the former Director-General of the World Trade Organization, the Oxford Martin Commission’s report, Now for the Long Term, was the product of a year-long process and debate on the successes and failures in addressing global challenges over recent decades.

The report called for a radical shake-up in politics and business to embed long-term thinking, and provided practical recommendations for action in order to create a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable future.

The Oxford Martin Commission’s ‘Agenda for the Long Term’ cut across the research portfolio of the Oxford Martin School. The core issues it addressed- the worrying prevalence of short-term thinking, and growing gridlock in solving key global challenges- reflect the concerns and frustrations encountered by many of the School's academics working on 21st century issues ranging from geoengineering to infectious diseases to food security.

The Oxford Martin Commission report drew on the wide-ranging expertise of academics within the School and the University more broadly.

Since its launch in October 2013, Now for the Long Term has been accessed more than 1 million times online, and has received media coverage in 30 countries across six continents. Events to highlight the report and engage policy makers, businesses, academics and civil society with the work of the Commission were held around the world.

If you would like to find out more about the work of the Oxford Martin Commission, please contact Anushya Devendra.